Stormwater management crate assembly

ABSTRACT

Stormwater management systems, methods, and apparatus for containing and filtering runoff may be provided. In one implementation, a stormwater management crate for managing stormwater runoff may be provided. The stormwater management crate may include a top plate having one or more support column attachments and one or more support columns located below the top plate, the one or more support columns being affixed to the top plate at the one or more support column attachments and to a second plate. Support column attachments may include bayonet connections or snap connections. Stormwater management crates may be arranged into an array and include side panels of variable heights. The array of stormwater management crates may be further wrapped in sediment impervious material and serve to restrict stormwater flow as part of a stormwater management system.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based on and claims benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/262,228, filed on Oct. 7, 2021; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/262,230, filed on Oct. 7, 2021; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/327,695, filed on Apr. 5, 2022. The contents of the foregoing application are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to systems, apparatus, and methods for fluid runoff management. In particular, this disclosure relates to stormwater storage and retention of stormwater through use of a stormwater management crate, or through the use of a plurality of stormwater management crates formed into a stormwater management crate assembly.

BACKGROUND

Fluid runoff systems include systems designed to process rainwater or other fluid runoff, particularly stormwater. These systems can be used to control water in areas that may experience overloads in the local drainage system during periods of high precipitation, such as around construction sites and developed urban areas. These systems temporarily store and divert water runoff from impervious surfaces, such as sidewalks, roads, and parking lots. The system then controls the fluid discharge back to the environment to meter rainfall discharge from a site and reduce the risk of flooding. Stormwater also carries debris and solid contaminants, such as dirt, sand, and organic debris. Fluid management systems are designed to receive and retain stormwater, allowing particulates to settle at the bottom of the chamber before the stormwater is released out of the system. Fluid management systems may include above-ground storage systems such as ponds, swales, or holding tanks. Fluid management systems may also include below-ground systems such as underground storage chambers, concrete drainage structures, thermoplastic storage chambers, or crate-type water management systems.

Crate-type water management systems may be used to form a chamber suitable for managing stormwater runoff. For example, multiple stormwater management crates may be connected together into a modular array of stormwater management crates, forming a stormwater management crate assembly. Stormwater management crate assemblies may be placed underground, typically underneath parking lots or green spaces. These assemblies may be wrapped in a membrane to prohibit infiltration of surrounding soil or other aggregates into the stormwater management crate assembly, forming a void space within the assembly for the storage of stormwater runoff. These underground assemblies accommodate a site's water volume runoff and treatment requirements and also maximize the site's buildable area for other beneficial uses.

During a storm, stormwater or rainwater runoff enters the underground stormwater management crate assembly, and in some configurations, may exit the assembly by flowing through a conduit connecting the assembly to another system component, such as a basin or another drainage structure. The stormwater management crate assembly may be placed on a prepared bed of coarse aggregate or stone, and may be backfilled underground with aggregate, earth, or other suitable backfill material.

Stormwater carries debris and solid contaminants that can pass into and through basins, traps, and filters of conventional stormwater management systems. Stormwater may include suspended solids, including dirt, sand, organic debris such as leaves, paper, and plastic. Crate-type water management systems may be configured to receive stormwater and allow debris to settle to a bottom of the assembly before the stormwater is released into the ground or through an outlet or may be used to restrict the volume or discharge rate of stormwater runoff from leaving the site.

Existing crate-type water management systems require intensive labor to assemble on a project site. Many of the components used to form the stormwater management crates are cumbersome and heavy to manipulate into place. Construction and assembly of the water management crates can be difficult when crate assembly components such as the plates and the columns are loosely connected during initial assembly. Separable connections may accidently disconnect, destabilizing the structural integrity of the stormwater management crate. Other problems include rigid connections between crate assembly plates and columns that do not allow flexing or rotation of the columns, which may place critical stress on the columns during assembly or after installation of the stormwater management crates, leading to damage to the columns.

Thus, solutions are needed to improve these and other deficiencies in crate-type water management systems. Such solutions should reduce labor and assembly costs by reducing the weight of the stormwater management crate plate component through structural design improvements to reduce weight and allow for easier field assembly of the crate assembly. Other improvements should include increasing strength and durability of the crate components while maximizing the void space in the assembly suitable for storing stormwater. Solutions should also include improved connections between support columns and plates so as to permanently affix the plates and the columns during assembly, while also providing for rotation of the columns to mitigate damaging stress forces on the columns during assembly or after installation. Further solutions should allow for some components of the modular crate assemblies to be pre-assembled prior to arrival at a project site and configured for ease of final assembly upon arrival to the site to streamline and improve the construction process.

SUMMARY

The disclosed embodiments describe systems, methods, and devices for managing fluid runoff. These systems, methods, and devices may include use of a stormwater management crate, or the use of a plurality of stormwater management crates formed into a stormwater management crate assembly. For example, in an embodiment, a portion of a stormwater management crate for managing stormwater runoff may include a top plate having a plurality of support column attachments, and a plurality of support columns located below the top plate. The plurality of support columns may be affixed to the top plate at the support column attachments.

In some embodiments, the one or more of the support column attachments may comprise a bayonet connection. The bayonet connection may include a detent that seats the pin in the bayonet connection. In yet other embodiments, the detent may be configured to allow the support column to rotate in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction from a center detent position. In another embodiment, the bayonet connection may include a rib configured to prevent the pin from exiting the support column attachment.

In some embodiments, the support columns may include a column pin installed toward one end of the support column. The column pin may be configured to interface with the support column attachments to affix the support column to the top plate. In some embodiments, the column pin may penetrate through the outer walls of the support column to interface with a snap fit connection. In other embodiments, the column pin may penetrate through the outer wall of the support column at two locations to interface with a pair of bayonet connections.

In some embodiments, the plurality of support columns may be affixed to a base plate or an intermediate plate. According to a disclosed embodiment, the plurality of support columns attachments may include a snap fit connection. In other embodiments, the snap fit connection may be configured to allow the support column to rotate in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction from the center snap fit position.

In some embodiments, the plurality of support column attachments may include a first set of support column attachments located on the underside of the top plate and a second set of support column attachments located on the upper side of the intermediate plate. In some embodiments, the first set of support column attachments may comprise a bayonet connection and the second set of support column attachments may comprise a snap fit connection. In other embodiments, the support column attachments may comprise both bayonet connections and snap connections within a single column attachment.

In some embodiments, the intermediate plate includes a first set of support column attachments located on the underside of the intermediate plate and a second set of support column attachments located on the upper side of the intermediate plate. In some embodiments, the first set of support column attachments may comprise a bayonet connection and the second set of support column attachments may comprise a snap fit connection. In other embodiments, the support column attachments may comprise both bayonet connections and snap connections within a single column attachment.

In some embodiments, the baseplate may include a plurality of support column attachments configured to affix the plurality of support columns to the base plate.

In some embodiments, the top plate and the base plate may be configured to support soil loads and a walking live load. For example, a stormwater management crate assembly may be placed underground, or under a parking lot. Top plate may support the weight of the surface loads and other soil loads above the top plate. These loads may be transferred down through various support columns to the base plate, which in turn transfers these loads to the ground located below the base plate. In other embodiments, the intermediate plate may be configured to support a walking live load only, and not the soil loads encountered by the top plate and base plate.

According to a disclosed embodiment, a portion of a stormwater management crate may include a top plate having a plurality of support column attachments, a plurality of support columns located below the top plate, and a side panel configured to attach to the top plate without contacting any of the one or more support columns. In another embodiment, the side panels may be configured to attach to the top plate and contact one or more of the support columns.

According to another disclosed embodiment, the stormwater management crate may include a top plate having one or more support column attachments and one or more support columns located below the top plate. The one or more support columns may be affixed to the top plate at the one or more support column attachments and second plate. The stormwater management crate may further include at least one side plate contacting at least a portion of the stormwater management crate. In another embodiment, one or more of the plurality of support column attachments may comprise a bayonet connection or a snap fit connection.

According to a disclosed embodiment, the second plate may be a base plate or an intermediate plate.

According to another disclosed embodiment, there may be a stormwater management crate assembly for managing stormwater. The stormwater management crate assembly may comprise a plurality of stormwater management crates hydraulically connected to an inlet and arranged in a modular array. The plurality of stormwater management crates may include a top plate having one or more support column attachments and one or more support columns located below the top plate. The plurality of support columns may be affixed to the top plate at the support column attachments and to a second plate. The stormwater management crates may include at least one side plate attached to the stormwater management crate. The stormwater management crate assembly may further include a membrane wrapped around the plurality of modular stormwater management crates.

In other embodiments, the stormwater management crate assembly may further comprise an outlet.

According to a disclosed embodiment, adjacent stormwater management crates may be connected together. According to a disclosed embodiment, at least one of the stormwater management crates in the stormwater management crate assembly may be affixed to an adjacent stormwater management crate through a hook and slot connection.

Additional features and advantages of the disclosed embodiments will be set forth in part in the description that follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the disclosed embodiments. The features and advantages of the disclosed embodiments will be realized and attained by the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are examples and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the disclosed embodiments as claimed.

The accompanying drawings constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate several embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosed embodiments as set forth in the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A depicts an isometric view of a portion of an exemplary stormwater management crate, consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1B depicts a plan view of a top plate, consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1C depicts a side view of a top plate, consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1D depicts an isometric view of a portion of an exemplary stormwater management crate flipped upside down, consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2A depicts a column connection detail of an exemplary stormwater management crate using a snap connection, consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2B depicts a cross section view of a snap connection of an exemplary stormwater management crate, consistent with disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 2C depicts a section view of a column connection using a snap connection in an exemplary stormwater management crate, consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2D depicts a plan view of a snap connection detail of an exemplary stormwater management crate, consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2E depicts an isometric view of a column connection using a bayonet connection in an exemplary stormwater management crate, consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2F depicts a section view of a bayonet connection of an exemplary stormwater management crate, consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2G depicts a column connection detail of a bayonet connection of an exemplary stormwater management crate, consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2H depicts an isometric view of a column connection using a bayonet connection engaged with a column pin in an exemplary stormwater management crate, consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2I depicts a column connection detail of an exemplary stormwater management crate that includes a bayonet connection and a snap connection, consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 . depicts an isometric view of an exemplary stormwater management crate assembly, with the side panels omitted for clarity, consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 . depicts an isometric view of an exemplary stormwater management crate assembly, including side panels, consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Exemplary embodiments are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the figures, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. Wherever convenient, the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. While examples and features of disclosed principles are described herein, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed embodiments. Also, the words “comprising,” “having,” “containing,” and “including,” and other similar forms are intended to be equivalent in meaning and be open ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items. It should also be noted that as used in the present disclosure and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

A need has been recognized to improve the efficiency in assembling stormwater management crate assemblies. Existing crate-type water management systems require intensive labor to assemble on a project site. It has been found that many of the components used to form the stormwater management crates are cumbersome and heavy to manipulate into place. Construction and assembly of the water management crates may be difficult when crate assembly components such as the plates and the columns are loosely connected during initial assembly. Separable connections may inadvertently disconnect, destabilizing the structural integrity of the stormwater management crate. Rigid connections between crate assembly plates and columns that do not allow flexing or rotation of the columns may place critical stress on the columns during assembly or after installation of the stormwater management crates, leading to damage to the columns.

The disclosed embodiments improve these and other deficiencies in crate-type water management systems. For example, solutions are provided to reduce labor and assembly costs by reducing the weight of the stormwater management crate plate component through structural design improvements and to allow for easier field assembly of the crate assembly. Other improvements may include increasing strength and durability of the crate components while maximizing the void space in the assembly suitable for storing stormwater. Some disclosed embodiments may include improved connections between support columns and plates to permanently affix the plates and the columns during assembly, while also providing for rotation of the columns to mitigate damaging stress forces on the columns during assembly or after installation. In addition, some disclosed embodiments may allow for some components of the modular crate assemblies to be pre-assembled prior to arrival at a project site and configured for ease of final assembly upon arrival to the site to streamline and improve the construction process.

Reference will now be made in detail to the disclosed embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1A depicts an isometric view of an exemplary stormwater management crate portion 100. Stormwater management crate portion 100 may include top plate 105. In some embodiments top plate 105 may be constructed of plastic (e.g., polypropylene, HDPE, LDPE, PVC, polyethylene, polyurethane), metal, and/or any other suitable material. Plastic embodiments of top plate 105 may be formed, for example, through injection molding, blow molding, CNC machining, vacuum forming, polymer casting, 3D printing, extrusion, rotational molding, or any other suitable means. In some embodiments, top plate 105 is configured to support structural loads, such as dead and live loads resulting from earthen embankments, surface loads, parking lots, structures, vehicular loads, for example the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) H-20 loading criteria, and/or walking loads. The thickness or gauge of the top plate 105 may be determined by the structural load bearing requirements needed for the particular top plate. Other plates within a stormwater management crate assembly may be configured to support a walking live load only and may be lighter in weight than a top plate 105 configured to support additional live and dead structural loads.

In some embodiments, top plate 105 may include one or more sets of ground support ribs 107. A set of ground support ribs 107 may be configured to transfer vertical loads to support columns 115. For example, stormwater management crate portion 100 may be buried underground or surrounded with an earthen embankment. Soil loads associated with the embankment or surfaces located above the stormwater management crate portion 100 may bear on the top plate 105. These loads may be transferred to support columns 115 through contact with the sets of ground support ribs 107. Ground support ribs 107 may be configured in numerous different shapes and arrangements and are not intended to be limited to the shape and/or arrangements of ground support ribs 107 depicted in the figures disclosed herein.

The exemplary stormwater management crate portion 100 may include support columns 115. Support columns 115 may be constructed of plastic (e.g., polypropylene, HDPE, LDPE, PVC, polyethylene, polyurethane), metal, glass reinforced materials, and/or any other suitable material. In one embodiment, the support columns may be formed of schedule 40 PVC. Support columns 115 may be manufactured to various lengths and may include in a non-limiting example, lengths of approximately 20 inches to 90 inches.

In some embodiments, top plate 105 may include a plurality of slot locks 120 and hook locks 125. Slot lock 120 and hook lock 125 may be configured to interface with an adjacent top plate 105, such that the slot lock 120 of each adjacent top plate 105 may securely connect to hook lock 125 of the adjacent top plate 125. In this way, top plate 105 of stormwater management crate portion 100 may securely connect to an adjacent top plate 105 of a second stormwater management crate portion 100, such as the stormwater management crate array 300 depicted in FIG. 3 .

Top plate 105 may include lattice member 130. In some embodiments, lattice member 130 may provide a walking platform suitable for assembly crews to construct stormwater crate portion 100. Lattice member 130 may include perforations as depicted in FIG. 1A. The perforations may be designed to reduce the weight of top plate 105 while maintaining sufficient structural integrity to support a walking load on top plate 105. Top plate 105 may also include hand grip 135. Hand grip 135 may be formed to allow a single person to grip and lift top plate 105.

FIG. 1C depicts a side view of top plate 105. As shown in FIG. 1C, top plate 105 may include a plurality of column connection recesses 110. Column connection recesses 110 connect the support columns 115 to the top plate 105. As shown in FIG. 1C, column connection recess 110 may extend below the plane of other components of top plate 105, such as slot locks 120 and hook locks 125. FIG. 1C also depicts additional details of slot locks 120 and hook locks 125. For example, slot locks 120 and hook locks 125 may have top and bottom recess openings in which the bottom recess opening is wider than the protruding element of hook lock 125 and the top recess opening is narrower than the protruding element of hook lock 125. This arrangement may facilitate connection of top plate 105 to adjacent top plates 105 in that the hook lock 125 is retained within a corresponding slot lock 120 without passing through the top recess opening of an adjacent slot lock 120, because the top recess opening is narrower than the protruding element of hook lock 125.

Returning to FIG. 1A, top plate 105 may include support member 140. Support member 140 may provide structural support and integrity to connect the column connection recesses 110 together into top plate 105. For example, FIG. 1A depicts six sets of ground support ribs 107, each set of ground support ribs 107 integrated with a column connection recess 110 on the underside of top plate 105 and formed into a single top plate 105. The column connection recesses 110 are connected by various support members 140. Though the top plate 105 depicted in FIG. 1A includes six column connection recesses 110, top plate 105 may comprise more or fewer column connection recesses 110. For example, top plate 105 may include four, eight, or any other number of column connection recesses 110 to support a corresponding number of support columns 115. Support members 140 may vary in length to create various configurations and sizes of top plate 105 and stormwater management crate portion 100 and may include lengths of approximately twenty inches to approximately ninety inches, though shorter or longer lengths may be used in certain situations to fit specific site conditions.

FIG. 1B depicts a plan view of an exemplary top plate 105, consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1B, top plate 105 may include a plurality of slot locks 120 and hook locks 125 as described herein. Slot lock 120 and hook lock 125 may be arranged in pairs and may interface with slot locks 120 and hook locks 125 in neighboring top plates 105. In this way, top plate 105 of stormwater management crate portion 100 may securely connect to an adjacent top plate 105 of a second stormwater management crate portion 100, such as the stormwater management crate array 300 depicted in FIG. 3 . In an exemplary embodiment, FIG. 1B depicts six pairs of slot locks 120 and hook locks 125 arranged around the perimeter of top plate 105. As further shown in FIG. 1B, top plate 105 may include lattice member 130 and hand grip 135 as described herein.

FIG. 1B depicts an arrangement of top plate 105 that includes support member 140 connecting each column connection recess 110 together in top plate 105. As described herein, connecting column connection recesses 110 together with support member 140 may provide structural support and integrity to top plate 105. Support members 140 may vary in length to create various configurations and sizes of top plate 105 and may include lengths of approximately twenty inches to approximately ninety inches, though shorter or longer lengths may be used in certain situations to fit specific site conditions.

FIG. 1D depicts an isometric view of a portion of an exemplary stormwater management crate flipped upside down. Top plate 105 may include a plurality of column connection recesses. For example, FIG. 1D depicts column connection recess 110 for connecting support column 115. Support column 115 may be constructed of plastic (e.g., polypropylene, HDPE, LDPE, PVC, polyethylene, polyurethane), metal, glass reinforced materials, and/or any other suitable material. In one embodiment, the support columns are formed of schedule 40 PVC, though the connection recess 110 may be configured to connect top plate 105 to a variety of alternative gauges and types of materials. Support columns 115 may be manufactured to various lengths and may include in a non-limiting example, lengths of approximately 20 inches to 90 inches. Support columns 115 may be cylindrically shaped, as shown in FIG. 1D. Support columns 115 are not limited to cylindrical shapes, and may, in other embodiments, be square, triangular, or rectangular shaped. In other embodiments, columns may be tapered in shape. Similarly, column connection recess 110 may correspond to these alternative shapes of support column 115 and may also be square shaped, triangular shaped, rectangular shaped, or any other shape to interface with a corresponding support column 115. The shape of the support column 115 and the column connection recess 110 may dictate the type of connection used between the support column 115 and column connection recess 110. For example, either a bayonet connection 220 or snap connection 200 may be used with cylindrical shaped support columns 115. Alternative shaped support columns 115 may be unable to use bayonet connections 220 and may require snap connections 200 or other connection types.

As shown in FIG. 1D, top plate 105 may include a plurality of column connection recesses 110 as described herein. Though FIG. 1D depicts six column connection recesses 110, top plate 105 may comprise more or fewer column connection recesses 110. For example, top plate 105 may include four, eight, or any other number of column connection recesses 110.

FIG. 2A depicts a detailed view of one embodiment of column connection recess 110 featuring snap connection 200. In an exemplary embodiment, support column 115 may include support column pin 210 where support column pin 210 extends out of one side of support column 115. To attach support column 115 to top plate 105, the user may insert support column 115 into column connection recess 110 so that the exposed end of support column pin 210 aligns with snap connection 200. As support column pin 210 is pushed against snap connection 200, snap connection 200 may temporarily deflect due to the pressure applied from the connection with support column pin 210. Once support column pin 210 is pushed below snap connection 200, snap connection 200 springs back into its original position, affixing support column pin 210 into place and securely connecting top plate 105 and support column 115, as shown in FIG. 2A.

As show in FIG. 2A, column connection recess 110 may include support column rest 230. Support column rest 230 may act as a barrier to prevent support column 115 from passing through column connection recess 110 or top plate 105. Support column rest 230 may also act as a load bearing platform in that vertical loads carried by top plate 105 are transferred to support column 115 through contact with support column rest 230.

In some embodiments, column connection recess 110 may include one or more column connection recess ribs 215, as shown in FIG. 2A. One or more column connection recess ribs 215 may be spaced around the perimeter of column connection recess 110. Column connection recess ribs 215 may be equally spaced around the perimeter of column connection recess 110 or may have irregular spacing. Column connection recess ribs 215 may act as linear guides that direct support column 115 into column connection recess 110. In some embodiments, column connection recess ribs 215 may deflect under pressure, creating a dimensional allowance, or tolerance, for support column 115 to interface with column connection socket 110.

FIG. 2B depicts a cross section view of one embodiment of column connection recess 110 featuring snap connection 200. As shown in FIG. 2A, column connection recess ribs 215 may extend on either side of support column rest 230. In some embodiments, two support columns 115 may interface with column connection recess 110 on either side of support column rest 230. For example, two support columns 115 may interface with column connection recess 110 on either side of support column rest 230 when multiple stormwater management crates are stacked into a stormwater management crate array 300, as shown in FIG. 3 .

FIG. 2C depicts a section view of support column 115 connected to column connection recess 110 using a snap connection 200. As shown in FIG. 2C, once support column pin 210 is pushed below snap connection 200, snap connection 200 springs back into its original position, affixing support column pin 210 into place and securely connecting top plate 105 and support column 115.

FIG. 2D depicts a plan view of a snap connection 200 and support column pin 210. As shown in FIG. 2D, there may be a gap between the sides of snap connection 200 and support column pin 210. In some embodiments, this gap may facilitate minor rotation of support column 115 during the installation and assembly process, as support column pin 210 may rotate until it abuts the sidewall of snap connection 200. Allowing minor rotation of support column 115 may prevent damage due to unwanted torsional stress and strain on the support columns during and after installation.

FIG. 2E depicts a column connection detail of an embodiment of a bayonet connection 205. In some embodiments, bayonet connection 205 may include rib 220. Rib 220 may be configured to interface with a component of the support column, such as support column pin 210 shown in FIG. 2D. Rib 220 may include a sloped surface configured to allow passage of support column pin 210 from the connection slot in bayonet connection 205 to the detent 225. Rib 220 may be sloped to allow passage of support column pin 210 in one direction and not allow passage of support column pin 210 in the opposite direction. In some embodiments, this sloped feature of rib 220 may serve to securely lock support column pin 210 into column connection recess 110 so that support column 115 is affixed to top plate 105. In some embodiments, support column 115 may be securely connected to top plate 105 such that the secure connection cannot be defeated through the use of conventional force by a stormwater crate assembly worker, such as pulling or rotating the support column 115 by hand. In some embodiments, after a secure connection has been made between a support column 115 and a top plate 105 the support column 115 and top plate 105 can only be separated through the use of tools or destructive methods such as prying, sawing, or similar techniques.

Detent 225 may act as a resting seat for support column pin 210. In some embodiments, detent 225 may include a rotational guide 240. Rotational guide 240 may be formed as a ridge or hump on either side of detent 225 as shown in FIG. 2E. For example, rotational guide 240 may be configured to allow support column 115 to rotate or twist approximately six degrees, or approximately one quarter of an inch, in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction without becoming unseated from detent 225.

FIG. 2F depicts a section view of a column connection detail of an embodiment of a bayonet connection 205. Bayonet connection 205 may include rib 220, detent 225, and rotational guide 240. As shown in FIG. 2F, support column rest 230 may act as a barrier to prevent support column 115 from passing through column connection recess 110 or top plate 105.

FIG. 2G depicts an isometric view of an embodiment of a bayonet connection 205 engaged with support column 115 and column pin 210. As shown in FIG. 2G, rib 220 is positioned to permit column pin 210 to pass from one side of rib 220 to the other side of rib 220 when support column 115 and column pin 210 are first inserted into column connection recess 110. Rib 220 is configured to prohibit column pin 210 from passing back through rib 220 and then out of bayonet connection 205. Rib 220 acts to secure column connection pin 210 into bayonet connection 220, while permitting small adjustable rotations of connection pin 210 through detent 225 and rotational guide 240 without allowing column connection pin 210 (and the associated support column 115) to separate from the top plate 105. Such small adjustable rotations are beneficial because the adjustable rotation of the connection pin 210 allows the attached support columns 115 to rotate during or after the installation process without becoming separated from the bayonet connection 205 and the top plate 105. The minor rotational allowance to the support columns 115 helps to prevent undesirable flexural strain and shear stresses on the support columns during or after the installation process, which helps mitigate against damage to the support columns 115.

FIG. 2H depicts a support column 115 connected to top plate 105 at column connection recess 110 through the use of a bayonet connection 205. In an exemplary embodiment, a user may seek to attach support column 115 to top plate 105. Support column 115 may include a support column pin 210 that extends out of two sides of support column 115. To attach support column 115 to top plate 105, the user may insert the support column 115 into the column connection recess 110 so that the ends of the support column pin 210 slide into each of the pair of slots in bayonet connection 205. The user may then rotate support column 115 so that the support column pin 210 passes underneath rib 220. Upon passing support column pin 210 underneath rib 220, support column pin 210 is locked inside bayonet connection 205. The user may continue to rotate support column 115 and support column pin 210 until support column pin 210 slides over guide rib 240 and seats into detent 225. Once seated in detent 225, support column 115 may be rotated approximately six degrees in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. Rotation is enabled because support column pin 210 may freely rotate until it encounters bayonet slot wall 245, which prevents further movement of support column pin 210 within detent 225. Such connection features may aid in the assembly of stormwater management crate portions 100. For example, affixing support column 115 to top plate 105 may prevent unwanted or accidental separation of the support columns from the top plate during assembly, improving user safety and the speed and efficiency of the assembly operation. In addition, the rotation allowance provided by guide rib 240 may prevent unwanted torsional stress and strain on support columns 115 during or after installation. For example, rigid connections may resist minor rotational forces applied to support columns 115 during or after installation, resulting in unwanted damage or fractures to support columns 115. Bayonet slot wall 245 may prevent such damage by allowing minor support column rotation while also keeping support column 115 permanently affixed within column connection recess 110. As shown in FIG. 2H, two bayonet connections 205 located at opposite sides of support column recess 110 may be used to secure a single support column 115 to top plate 105 by engaging with each end of column pin 210.

FIG. 2I depicts a detailed view of one embodiment of column connection recess 110, which includes both a snap connection 200 and two bayonet connections 205. In some embodiments, column connection recess 110 may include one or more snap connections 200. In other embodiments, column connection recess 110 may include one, two, or more bayonet connections 205. Though FIG. 2I depicts an embodiment having both bayonet connections 205 and a single snap connection 200, in some embodiments, column connection recess 110 may include bayonet connections 205 without a snap connection 200 or may include one or more snap connections 200 without any bayonet connections 205.

In some embodiments, top plate 105 is modified for use as an intermediate plate within a stormwater management crate array, for example. FIG. 3 depicts an embodiment of a stormwater management crate array 300 with various intermediate plates 310. In one embodiment, the intermediate plate includes column connection recesses 110 on the top side and the bottom side of the intermediate plate 310. This allows columns 115 to connect to both the top side and bottom side of the intermediate plate 310.

In some embodiments, multiple stormwater management crate portions 100 may be assembled into stormwater management crate array 300. For example, FIG. 3 depicts an isometric view of a stormwater management crate array 300. In some embodiments, the stormwater management crate array 300 may be formed by connecting multiple stormwater management crate portions together through various column connection points. For example, FIG. 3 depicts a stormwater management crate 300 comprising twelve stormwater management crate portions 100. At the uppermost layer, four separate top plates 105 are linked together in a horizontal plane through slot connections 120 and hook connections 125. Each of the four top plates 105 includes six support columns 115 extending down therefrom. The four stormwater management crate portions 100 depicted in FIG. 3 connect to another layer of four stormwater management crate portions 100 by inserting the support columns 115 into column connection recesses 110 located on the top side of the intermediate plates 310 of the layer of four stormwater management crate portions 100 located below. An additional layer of four stormwater management crate portions 100 is located below the top two layers of stormwater management crate portions 100 and includes similar connections at column connection recesses 110. A base layer of four base plates 305 is located at the bottom of the stormwater management crate 300. In this way, stormwater management crate array 300, as depicted in FIG. 3 , is made of four top plates 105, each with six support columns 115, eight intermediate plates 310, each with six support columns 115, and four base plates 305. Though FIG. 3 depicts an array formed from twelve stormwater management crates, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the array of stormwater management crates 300 may be composed of any number of configurations of stormwater management crate portions 100 to suit the site conditions and requirements. For example, more or fewer top plates, columns, or base plates can be used. In addition, the number of columns extending from a particular top plate can vary within a single stormwater management crate array 300.

The numbers of columns extending from a particular top plate 105 in a stormwater management crate array 300 may depend on the position of the top plate 105 within the array and the structural loading requirements associated with that position. For example, the interior top plates 105 within the array may have six columns, while the peripheral top plates 105 may have seven, eight, or more columns to give more structural support to the perimeter of the stormwater management crate array 300.

In some embodiments, the stormwater management crate array 300 may include a base plate 305 located below the support column 115 of the lowest stormwater management crate portion 100 as shown in FIG. 3 . In some embodiments, base plate 305, as used in stormwater management crate array 300, may have the same configuration as top plate 105 flipped upside down. In other embodiments, base plate 305 may be sized to support structural loads associated with the soil loads, pore or water pressure, loads associated with the embankment or surfaces located above the stormwater management crate array 300, or other structural or geotechnical loading requirements. In some embodiments, base plate 305 may include connection recesses 110 with either a snap connection 200 or a bayonet connection 205. In some embodiments, base plate 305 may be securely connected to support columns 115. Base plate 305 may connect to adjacent base plates 305 through the use of slot locks 120 and hook locks 125, similar to a top plate 105. Base plate 305 may include a set of ground support ribs 107 for structural support as disclosed herein.

In another embodiment, top plates 105 included in the stormwater management crate array 300 may have different gauges or thicknesses than intermediate plates 310 within the stormwater management crate array 300 and the structural requirements associated with the location. For example, the top plates 105 in the stormwater management crate array 300 may be sized to support structural requirements for surface loads placed above the stormwater management crate array 300. For example, stormwater management crate array 300 may be buried underneath fill material, and a site improvement such as a parking lot may be constructed above the fill material. In this example, the top plates 105 may be sized to support the loading requirements of the fill material, parking lot, and live loads associated with vehicular traffic. These structural loads may be transmitted to base plates 305 through support columns 115. Base plate 305 may be sized to transmit the total weight of these loads and the weight of the stormwater management crate array 300 to the surface below stormwater management crate array 300, and also to support the soil and water pressures located below the ground surface. Intermediate plates 310, located between the top plates 105 and base plates 305, do not carry the same loads as the uppermost top plates 105 and base plates 305, and thus, may be formed of lighter gauge material. In an embodiment, intermediate plates 310 are sized to support a walking load to accommodate installation crews during assembly of the stormwater management crate array 300, permitting intermediate plates 310 to be much lighter than the uppermost top plates or base plates 305, which reduces material costs and improves efficiencies in the speed of installation of stormwater management crate array 300 because the intermediate top plates 105 may be more easily handled and lifted by an installation crew.

In an embodiment, stormwater management crate array 300 may be assembled by connecting support columns 115 to top plates 105, base plates 305, or intermediate plates 310 through either snap connection 200 or bayonet connection 205, wherein the choice of snap connection 200 or bayonet connection 205 is determined by a location of the top plate 105, the base plate 305, or the intermediate plate 310 within the stormwater management crate array 300. For example, as shown in FIG. 3 , support columns 115 may connect to the underside of a top plate 105 or the underside of an intermediate plate 310 through use of a bayonet connection 205. Support columns 115 may connect to the top side of an intermediate plate 310 or the top side of base plate 305 through a snap connection 200. The assembly of stormwater management crate array 300 is not limited to this arrangement of snap connections 200 and bayonet connections 205 and may instead comprise any combination of connection types, for example, all snap connections, or an arrangement with bayonet connections on the upper side of top plate 105 and snap connections on the lower side of top plate 105.

In some embodiments, top plate 105, intermediate plate 310, or base plate 305 may include a plurality of column connection recesses 110 wherein the column connection recesses 110 include both snap connection 200 and bayonet connection 205. For example, FIG. 2I depicts an exemplary column connection recess 110 that includes both a snap connection 200 and two bayonet connections 205. In this embodiment, any column connection recess 110 can support one or more snap connection 200, one or more bayonet connection 205, or a combination of one or more snap connections 200 and one or more bayonet connections 205. In one embodiment, intermediate plate 310 may be positioned at any location within stormwater management crate array 300 and may connect to support columns 115 both above and below top plate 105 using either a snap connection 200 or a bayonet connection 205. In other embodiments, base plates 305 or the top plate 105 may have alternate column connection recesses 110 featuring alternate snap connections than those found in intermediate plates 310.

In some embodiments, one or more stormwater management crate portions 100 may be pre-assembled and delivered to a project site. In other embodiments, multiple stormwater management crate portions 100 may be preassembled into a partial stormwater management array and delivered to a project site. For example, two or three stormwater management crate portions 100 may be vertically stacked and connected to each other by connecting support columns 115 to column connection recesses 110. Such preassembled partial stormwater management arrays may then be further assembled into a stormwater management crate array 300 at a project location by attaching the preassembled partial stormwater management arrays to base plates 305.

In other embodiments, stormwater management crate array 300 may comprise a single plate type that is interchangeable for top plate 105, intermediate plate 310, and base plate 305. For example, a plate may be designed with column connection recesses 110 on both the top and bottom side of the plate, such as intermediate plate 310 and sized to accommodate the required structural loading requirements discussed above. Use of a single interchangeable plate may simplify manufacturing and installation of the stormwater crate array 300 by reducing the quantity of unique parts required to be manufactured or assembled.

FIG. 4 . depicts an isometric view of a stormwater management crate assembly, including the side panels. In an embodiment, a stormwater management crate assembly 400 may be formed by attaching one or more side panels 405 to a stormwater management crate array 300. Side panel 405 may have a variety of shapes, including a flat shape or a convex shape. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 4 , side panel 405 may have, for example, a convex shape and may span the lengths of one or more stormwater management crate portions. In one embodiment, side panel 405 may have the same length as a single stormwater management crate portion 100 and may be equal to twice the width of a single stormwater management crate portion 100. For example, FIG. 4 depicts side panel 405 spanning the width of two stormwater management crate portions 100 and another side panel 405 spanning the length of one stormwater management crate portion 100. Side panel lengths are not limited to the configuration depicted in FIG. 4 and may be sized to span the length of a single stormwater management crate, four stormwater management crates, or any number of stormwater management crates depending on the site conditions.

Side panel 405 may interlock with adjacent side panels for stability and structural support. In some embodiments, side panel 405 may include side panel locks 410 as depicted in FIG. 4 . Each side panel 405 may have complementary side panel locks 410 suitable to interface with adjacent side panels for structural support and stability. Side panels 405 may be interlocked together through side panel locks 410 so that side panels 405 do not touch support columns 115 or transmit structural load directly to support columns 115. In one embodiment, side panels 405 are designed and sized to support lateral earthen and water pressure loads and are not designed to carry vertical loads through side panels 405. That is, vertical loads such as earthen embankments, parking lots, or the like located above stormwater management crate assembly 400 are carried by the uppermost top plates 105 to support columns 115 down to base plate 305 without transmitting the vertical loads to side panels 405. Such a design allows side panels 405 to be constructed of relatively light material which aids in speed and efficiency of manufacturing and installation costs due to a reduction in the weight of the material of the side plates. In another embodiment, side panels may be configured to attach to the top plate 105 and one or more support columns 115, intermediate plate 310 and one or more support columns 115, or top plate 105, intermediate plate 310, and one or more support columns 115.

Side panel 405 may be manufactured in various heights. For example, site conditions such as water quantity, depth of water table, types of soil, developable land area, or other considerations may determine a design height for stormwater management crate assembly 400. Side panels may vary in height to fit the design conditions. In one embodiment, side panels may be manufactured with heights of 20 inches and 30 inches. Using side panels with combinations of these two heights, a stormwater management crate can be assembled in any 10 inch height increment, typically varying from 20 inches to 90 inches.

In other embodiments, multiple side panels 405 are not uniform within a stormwater management crate assembly 400. For example, stormwater management crate assembly 400 may be irregularly shaped with an asymmetrical arrangement of stormwater management crate portions 100. Stormwater management crate portions 100 within stormwater management crate assembly 400 may also have variable heights with respect to other stormwater management crate portions 100 within the stormwater management crate assembly 400. In these embodiments, side panels 405 may be manufactured with variable heights to match the heights of the various stormwater management crate portions 100 within the stormwater management crate assembly 400. For example, side panels 405 having heights different from other side panels 405 may be used within a single stormwater management crate assembly 400. In yet other embodiments, some stormwater management crate portions 100 within the stormwater management crate assembly 400 may not have side panels but may instead be placed against another surface, such as a retaining wall, sheet piles, an underground structure, or a different underground stormwater management system.

Stormwater management crate assembly 400 may be used to temporarily retain fluids, such as stormwater runoff, in a stormwater management system. The stormwater management system may include an inlet apparatus configured to receive runoff from a surface-level drain. The stormwater management system may also include a stormwater management crate assembly, such as stormwater management crate assembly 400. The stormwater management system may also include an inlet pipe configured to extend between, and to fluidly connect, the inlet apparatus with an inlet end of the stormwater management crate assembly. The stormwater management system may also include a filtration fabric configured to be situated beneath at least a portion of the bottom of the stormwater management crate assembly. The filtration fabric may be configured to capture sediment from the runoff in the stormwater management crate assembly while the runoff flows out of the stormwater management crate assembly. The stormwater management system may also include a non-woven geotextile fabric, bituminous covering, synthetic polymer plastic sheeting, or other suitable geotextile fabrics configured to cover the exterior surface of the side panels of the stormwater management crate assembly. The stormwater management crate assembly may be fluidly connected with the inlet apparatus and may be configured to receive the runoff from the inlet apparatus and to disperse runoff into at least one of the earth or an outlet, such as an underground drainage structure. In some embodiments, stormwater management crate assembly 400 may be configured to leach stormwater to the surrounding soil through a water pervious geotextile sheeting. In other embodiments, stormwater management crate assembly 400 may be wrapped in a water impermeable sheeting and may then retain stormwater until it is pumped out of the assembly or passed through a restrictive flow control in an outlet.

The foregoing description has been presented for purposes of illustration. It is not exhaustive and is not limited to precise forms or embodiments disclosed. Modifications and adaptations of the embodiments will be apparent from consideration of the specification and practice of the disclosed embodiments. For example, while certain components have been described as being coupled to one another, such components may be integrated with one another or distributed in any suitable fashion.

Moreover, while illustrative embodiments have been described herein, the scope includes any and all embodiments having equivalent elements, modifications, omissions, combinations (e.g., of aspects across various embodiments), adaptations and/or alterations based on the present disclosure. The elements in the claims are to be interpreted broadly based on the language employed in the claims and not limited to examples described in the present specification or during the prosecution of the application, which examples are to be construed as nonexclusive. Further, the steps of the disclosed methods can be modified in any manner, including reordering steps and/or inserting or deleting steps.

The features and advantages of the disclosure are apparent from the detailed specification, and thus, it is intended that the appended claims cover all systems and methods falling within the true spirit and scope of the disclosure. As used herein, the indefinite articles “a” and “an” mean “one or more.” Similarly, the use of a plural term does not necessarily denote a plurality unless it is unambiguous in the given context. Words such as “and” or “or” mean “and/or” unless specifically directed otherwise. Further, since numerous modifications and variations will readily occur from studying the present disclosure, it is not desired to limit the disclosure to the exact construction and operation illustrated and described, and, accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the disclosure.

Other embodiments will be apparent from consideration of the specification and practice of the embodiments disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as example only, with a true scope and spirit of the disclosed embodiments being indicated by the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A stormwater management crate portion for managing stormwater runoff, the crate portion comprising: a top plate having a plurality of support column attachments; a plurality of support columns located below the top plate; wherein the plurality of support columns are affixed to the top plate at the support column attachments.
 2. The stormwater management crate portion of claim 1, wherein one or more of the plurality of support column attachments comprises a bayonet connection.
 3. The stormwater management crate portion of claim 2, wherein one or more of the support columns further comprise a column pin installed toward one end of the support column, the column pin configured to interface with the support column attachment to affix the support column to the top plate.
 4. The stormwater management crate portion of claim 3, wherein the bayonet connection includes a detent configured to receive the column pin.
 5. The stormwater management crate portion of claim 4, where the detent is configured to permit the support column to rotate in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction from the center detent position.
 6. The stormwater management crate portion of claim 5, wherein the bayonet connection further comprises a rib configured to prevent the pin from exiting the support column attachment.
 7. The stormwater management crate portion of claim 1, wherein one or more of the plurality of support columns are affixed to a base plate or an intermediate plate.
 8. The stormwater management crate portion of claim 7, wherein one or more of the plurality of support column attachments comprises a snap fit connection.
 9. The stormwater management crate portion of claim 8, wherein the snap fit connection is configured to permit the support column to rotate in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction from the center snap fit position.
 10. The stormwater management crate portion of claim 7, wherein one or more of the plurality of support column attachments comprises a first set of support column attachments located on the underside of the top plate and a second set of support column attachments located on the upper side of the intermediate plate.
 11. The stormwater management crate portion of claim 7, wherein the baseplate comprises a plurality of support column attachments configured to affix the plurality of support columns to the base plate.
 12. The stormwater management portion crate of claim 7, wherein one or more of the plurality of support columns are affixed to a base plate, the base plate being configured to support soil loads.
 13. The stormwater management crate portion of claim 1, wherein the intermediate plate is configured to support a walking live load.
 14. The stormwater management crate portion of claim 1, further comprising a side panel configured to attach to the top plate without contacting any of the one or more support columns.
 15. A stormwater management crate comprising: a top plate having one or more support column attachments; one or more support columns located below the top plate, the one or more support columns being affixed to the top plate at the one or more support column attachments and to a second plate; and at least one side panel contacting at least a portion of the stormwater management crate.
 16. The stormwater management crate of claim 15, wherein the second plate is a base plate or an intermediate plate.
 17. The stormwater management crate of claim 15, wherein one or more of the plurality of support column attachments comprises a bayonet connection or a snap fit connection.
 18. A stormwater management crate assembly for managing stormwater, comprising: one or more stormwater management crates hydraulically connected to an inlet, and arranged in a modular array, the one or more stormwater management crates comprising: a top plate having one or more support column attachments; one or more support columns located below the top plate, the one or more support columns being affixed to the top plate at the one or more support column attachments and to a second plate; at least one side panel attached to at least a portion of the stormwater management crate; and a membrane wrapped around the one or more stormwater management crates.
 19. The stormwater management crate assembly of claim 18, further comprising an outlet.
 20. The stormwater management crate assembly of claim 18, wherein at least one of the stormwater management crates is affixed to an adjacent stormwater management crate through a hook and slot connection.
 21. The stormwater management crate portion of claim 1, further comprising a side panel configured to attach to the top plate and contact one or more support columns.
 22. The stormwater management crate portion of claim 7, wherein the intermediate plate includes a first set of support column attachments located on the underside of the intermediate plate and a second set of support column attachments located on the upper side of the intermediate plate. 